Discussion

Narrow down my choices considering mundane criteria

My husband and I will be vacationing in San Francisco with my parents for a week beginning 9/21...which is my father's 77th birthday. I'm going to subject him and my mother to the likes of Sotto Mer, Frascati, Off the Grid, and Lers Ros while we are there, but want to please him on his birthday...I wasn't expecting his birthday dinner to be so difficult! We will want to eat fairly early because of jet lag, but I want reservations definitely....unless you think we can get in at 5:30'ish without one. the atmosphere should be on the warm and cozy side, allowing for conversation (not a modern, open space that is loud). Not more than $35 per entree ideally. No need for crazy techniques. He likes ordinary solid food ~ steak, seafood, chops. I'm having some difficulty deciphering atmospheres. I have found Bix, Baker & Banker, or L'ardois Bistro. We are staying near Union Square and plan to take public transportation. Your suggestions/choice are greatly appreciated!

Had similar criteria (though parents more adventurous I think) with my P2s in SF at the same age. They loved Canteen, thought Perbacco was good but too loud (we sat upstairs). If you do choose Canteen, be sure to make a reservation ASAP.

Bix was so dark when we went that they handed out flashlights to read the menu but that was a bit later (7:30) so maybe they turn the lights down? Also the food/drinks were just so so and quite expensive for what we got. Room is fun though with the faux Art Deco look and staircase.

Canteen's menu is inacessible to me. They will not be interested in duck, veal, or short ribs. San Francisco is a town of the unusual! Joyous for some......exhausting for me trying to plan! :) What were you able to order?

Yeah, no Canteen for your dad's bday with those limitations. Robert's list below looks do-able. I'd be wary of Sam's or Tadich's for the stated reasons -- we've had nice meals at both but you have to follow pretty narrow guidelines, and of course there's the wait at Tadich also (Sam's takes reservations for dinner).

If you can get in the front room at Kokkari, that might be a good option. It is comfortable and I have found it relatively easy to converse there with a group of four. I never have ordered these, but people have raved to me about the lamb chops.